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Veteran Berrier takes over as crew chief for Regan Smith in Cup Series

July 23, 2012

Todd Berrier, right, worked with Jeff Burton earlier this year in the Sprint Cup Series. Photo by LAT Photographic

Todd Berrier is the new crew chief at Furniture Row Racing, replacing Pete Rondeau on the pit box for No. 78 Chevrolet driver Regan Smith. Berrier's first assignment will be at this weekend's Crown Royal Sprint Cup 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Berrier worked for 11 years at Richard Childress Racing before joining JTG Daugherty Racing and driver Bobby Labonte at the start of this season. He had eight wins as a crew chief at Richard Childress Racing—including the 2003 Crown Royal 400 at Indy and the 2007 Daytona 500 for Kevin Harvick—and led Harvick's team into the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Chases. Berrier was also crew chief for RCR drivers Jeff Burton, Casey Mears and Jeff Green.

“Furniture Row Racing has a reputation in the Sprint Cup garage for its commitment and potential,” said the 42-year-old Berrier. “I welcome this opportunity and can't wait to begin my new position at Indianapolis this weekend.” In making the announcement, Furniture Row Racing general manager Joe Garone said, “Todd will be a great fit with our operation. The skill sets he has acquired during a successful crew-chief career will be valuable assets as we move forward with a high level of energy and anticipation.”

Meanwhile, it's been reported that David Hyder is the new crew chief for Labonte at JTG Daugherty Racing, also starting this weekend at Indianapolis. Former Richard Childress Racing and Stewart-Haas fixture Bobby Hutchens has been named the team's new general manager.

“Bobby Hutchens is someone I've admired for a long time, and [he is] the individual I've turned to many times for direction over my 18 years as a car owner,” JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter said. “In my opinion, he's the best in the business and we're fortunate to have someone of his caliber step in to help steer our team in the right direction during this important transition.”

Geschickter said Hyder's role as crew chief is an interim one. “We've had our eye on the crew chief we want for the long term, but couldn't get it done in time for the next few races,” he said. “We'd rather make the right decision for the long term. We're fortunate to have David working here every day as crew chief for the K&N Pro Series East team we've been preparing for Cale Conley. David has a wealth of Sprint Cup experience, and we know he'll do a great job until we make our decision.”